SPI (ARDMS) - Sonography Principles and Instrumentation

The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Examination is a fundamental certification for sonographers, assessing their knowledge in the physical principles, instrumentation, and safety of diagnostic medical sonography. Passing the SPI examination is a prerequisite for obtaining specialty sonography credentials offered by ARDMS.

Completion Time: 2 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• Educational background in sonography or a related field.

• Some certifying organizations may require completion of a sonography program or relevant clinical experience.

• Meeting the prerequisites set by the certifying body, such as ARDMS.

Cost: $250

Exam Format

This computer-based exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers or online via live remote proctoring.

The SPI exam includes 110 multiple-choice questions covering sonographic physics and instrumentation, including ultrasound transducers, beam formation, image processing, and quality assurance.

The exam assesses theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of sonography principles.

Apply for the SPI examination through a certifying organization like ARDMS.

Meet the eligibility criteria set by the organization.

Passing the SPI exam requires a scaled score of 555 or higher on a 700-point scale, which is the minimum requirement for all ARDMS exams. The primary result is a pass/fail decision.

Candidates are required to pass both the SPI examination and a corresponding specialty examination within five years of each other.

While the SPI certification is typically required for obtaining specialty sonography credentials and does not have a separate renewal, ARDMS requires an annual credential renewal fee.

Sonographers are encouraged to pursue continuous education in sonography principles, ultrasound technology advancements, and emerging medical imaging practices.

SPI Content Outline

The ARDMS also offers the following:

• RDMS Abdomen (AB)

• RDMS Breast (BE)

• RDCS/RDMS Fetal Echocardiography (FE)

• RDCS: Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)

• RDMS Pediatric Sonography (PS)

• RDMS Musculoskeletal Sonography (RDMS-RMSKS)

• Registered Vascular Technologist - Vascular Technology (RVT - VT)

• RDMS Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)